Rutgers University has announced Nicol Starkes as the new head coach for their cross country and distance running teams. Starkes, who is entering her fourth year with the Scarlet Knights, has previously served as an assistant coach for the cross country team and distance runners. Her promotion comes as Rutgers looks to build on recent successes and navigate upcoming conference expansions.
Before joining Rutgers, Starkes spent five years at NYU, where she made significant contributions to the distance and middle-distance events for both the men’s and women’s teams. Her tenure at NYU was marked by guiding athletes to NCAA Championship qualifiers, All-American honors, and conference Rookie of the Year awards. Notably, Starkes helped Siena Moran earn UAA Rookie of the Year and ECAC Metro Runner of the Month honors, and saw Leah Haley and Dillan Spector qualify for the NCAA Championship.
In her new role, Starkes expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm: “I’m grateful to Coach Farrell for this opportunity to take on a larger role with the distance teams. There’s a lot of potential within these squads, and I’m excited to see them compete with the upcoming conference expansion.”
Rutgers Athletic Director Farrell expressed confidence in Starkes’ abilities, stating, “I’m sure Coach Starkes will excel in leading the cross country and distance teams. Since joining us, she’s consistently exceeded expectations, built strong relationships with the athletes, and helped recruit some of our best classes ever. I’m certain she will continue to work hard for their development.”
Under Starkes’ guidance, the Rutgers distance program has achieved significant milestones. The Scarlet Knights set multiple indoor and outdoor school records, including in the 800, 1,500, mile, 3,000 meters, and the distance medley relay. The women’s cross country team earned its top two team finishes in program history during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Notable achievements include Alex Carlson’s two NCAA All-Mid Atlantic Region honors and a 10th-place finish in 2023, the best individual result since 2003.
Starkes began her coaching career at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ, where she was an assistant coach for cross country and track & field. She is a 2012 graduate of the University of Richmond, where she had a distinguished track career, including being a Second Team All-American in the 3,000m steeplechase and winning six Atlantic 10 titles.
An active runner, Starkes competes with the New Jersey Track Club and recently participated in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2016 Olympic Trials Qualifier. A native of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, she resides in Montclair with her husband Kevin and their daughter Chloe.